Just a note on the November Real Estate activity in and around McKinney.  September and October were the pits as far as activity from buyers and sellers. November is definitely encouraging as I am seeing more hits on my website in the first part of November then I saw almost all of October.  Interest rates are improving but, credit issues of borrowers are still holding the buyers back.  I am told that banks have the money for those who have good credit and/or can make a good down payment.Out of state movers are beginning to take a look at Dallas and up through Christmas, I expect the buying market activity to pick up.If you are thinking about listing your property to sell or making a home purchase, now is a good time, with the interest rates where they are, to make your move.  If you ar... 11/16/2007

We enjoyed another fun and interesting evening in McKinney, Texas last night.Beginning the evening with the viewing of the 1925 film version of The Phantom of the Opera, starring Lon Chaney, Sr., and directed by Rupert Julian, is said to be one of the more influential adaptations of Gaston Leroux's novel The Phantom of the Opera, in which a disfigured phantom haunts the Paris Opera House, trying to force the people who run it to make the woman he loves a star. It is most famous for Lon Chaney's intentionally horrific, self-applied makeup which was kept a studio secret until the film's premier. Universal Studios' soundstage #23, where the movie was filmed, is said to be haunted. This file was a silent film and the only sound was from the massive concert grand organ, also built in 1925.Al... 10/27/2007

Here are the latest home sales statistics for McKinney, TX in the 3rd Quarter of 2007.  I've also included the stats for the 3rd Qtr of 2006 as a comparison to our current market.  3rd Qtr 2007 . 3rd Qtr 2006 Sold Volume: $164,734,976 Sold Volume: $190,594,976 # of Sales: 720 # of Sales: 871 Avg. Price:  $228,798 Avg. Price:  $218,823 Sales Price as Percentage of List Price $0 - $100K                95.5% $101K - $150K   97.6% $151K - $200K          98.6% $201K - $300K  97.8% $301K - $500K   96.5% $501K - $750K    97.0% $751K +   97.6%   As you can see from the stats, actually sales volume is less but the average sales price has increased.  Our local market is still doing well.  Unlike many other parts of the country, most areas in the Dallas/FW Metroplex did not experience strong price... 10/09/2007

Opportunity strikes. Are you looking for a new home with 4 bedrooms, 4 full baths, study, game room and a media room?  This great new home is ready to move with hardwood floors and tons of upgrades.  Best of all, it backs up to trees in a greenbelt.  The community has park areas, and community pool.  Easy location to 75 and the Tollway in McKinney.  BONUS IS THAT THE BUILDER IS WILLING TO SELL APPROXIMATELY $50,000 OF LIST PRICE.DON'T WAIT CONTACT ME! 09/12/2007

Tomorrow marks the 6-year anniversary of the attacks on 9/11/2001. It's hard to believe it has already been 6 years! I know that that day will forever hold a place in my mind - and I'll always remember where I was and the events that unfolded that day...On September 11, 2001 I was living on Ft. Myer in Arlington, VA - just one mile away from the Pentagon. My husband was a member of the Honor Guard (3d US Infantry) and we were expecting our first child. I was 9 months pregnant - our expected due date was 9/22.Fast forward 6 years and I find myself in an oddly familiar situation. I am again 9 months pregnant and expecting the birth of our 2nd child on 9/26.A lot has happened since that fateful day 6 years ago. The world was forever changed days before my first child was born. I will alway... 09/10/2007

If you read one of my recent posts about the positive West Nile Virus sample found amongst the mosquitos in East McKinney, then you know the city has taken a positive step towards getting rid of them by spraying.Since that post TWO more positive samples have been found. Spraying had been rescheduled for last night (Monday, August 20). All this talk about the virus got me thinking...how does one know if they HAVE West Nile Virus? So I went to the CDC website and found the following information:"Q. What are the symptoms of West Nile virus (WNV) infection?A. Infection with WNV can be asymptomtic (no symptoms), or can lead to West Nile fever or severe West Nile disease. It is estimated that about 20% of people who become infected with WNV will develop West Nile fever. Symptoms include fever... 08/21/2007

The City of McKinney just reported it's first postive West Nile virus test for 2007. The positive sample was obtained from a pool of samples on the east side of McKinney by Pearson Avenue.What does this mean for McKinney residents?The affected area will be sprayed this evening between 10 PM and 6 AM. The City advises residents to stay inside during this time period. You'll also want to take in your pets if you have any outdoors.For a map of the area that is going to be sprayed, go to www.mckinneytexas.org. The boundaries are east of 75, South of Wilmeth, West of Woodlawn and North of Virginia Pkwy.With all of the recent rain we have experienced you've probably noticed an increase in mosquitos. In order to reduce your exposure to the insects, follow these rules: empty any standing water ... 08/08/2007

 Can anyone else who lives in North Texas say that they live in a seaside Croatian style village? I don't think so. But in a matter of months, you can have the opportunity to be one of the first residents of Adriatica! Read below about more of the exciting features being built in Adriatica in Stonebridge Ranch! Part 2  So, your curiosity is peaked after reading the first blog entry about Adriatica, is it? Well, it's hard for it not to be! In this post I'll be describing a few features that are going to be in the RIVA - aka Harbor District. The aerial photo to the left was taken at the end of May 2007 and you can see the construction that is currently under way. Tha RIVA will be "the lifeblood and soul of the village" according to developer, Jeffory Blackard. It will be the SE corner of ... 07/24/2007

Adriatica at Stonebridge Ranch is one of the newest and most innovative concepts in living that Texas has ever seen. As a resident, and as a Realtor in McKinney, I admit that the completion of this area is one of the things I am really looking forward to.  So what exactly is Adriatica? Many who drive by refer to it as the "Croatian Village" or "that area where all the buildings are made of stones". Here are some photos from the Adriatica website that serve as the inspiration behind Adriatica and what we might expect it to look like upon completion.         But, according to the vision of Jeffory Blackard of the Blackard Group, Adriatica will be a replica of the seaside village of Supetar. And I'm talking REPLICA! Here are a few of the things that will be found in Adriatica upon it's com... 07/23/2007

The U.S. Census estimates revealed that McKinney is ranked the second-fastest growing city in the nation with over 100,000 residents. Only North Las Vegas leads McKinney. There was an 11.1% increase in growth over the 12 months between July 2005 - July 2006. What does this mean? To me it means that McKinney must be doing something right! As a resident I can appreciate the superior schools, shopping, entertainment, affordability and great community feel. It's difficult to describe, but when I have out-of-town clients I find that the city speaks for itself. Drive through any of the streets along the Crape Myrtle Trails, or along the well-manicured neighborhoods in Stonebridge Ranch or Eldorado and you'll see what I mean. In 2004, McKinney was ranked #1 for fastest growing cities - but was... 07/09/2007

In our town, where new construction is still booming, we agents face a hard time when we put a home on the market...we know there is a lot of competition with new homes and it will take some time before we can sell it.  And of course there is always the exception to the rule, that nice home, overloaded with upgrades, or that over-sized lot that nobody else in the neighborhood has...those will sell faster..but I'm talking about the plain, simple listing we take, in a subdivision where there are 2 or more homes "in the same street" sometimes, or the one we are trying to sell at market value and next door there is this foreclosure listed at $20-$30 less than market price.  I love selling new homes, but sometimes I wish the new inventory will slow down a little, I'm not saying it will end, ... 06/24/2007

Home Staging is the very best proven way to get top dollar for your home as you prepare it for sale. Homes that are Staged with an ASP Professional Home Stager sell faster and for more money! This is because Staging sets the scene throughout the house to create immediate buyer interest in your property. This will then lead to your home selling for the highest possible price in today's market. Remember, "The way you live in your home, and the way you market and sell your house are two different things." Contact me for more information.  Realtors Welcome! 06/13/2007

What a great floorplan! Versatile with either 4 Living or 3 Living and a Study with Double French doors. Massive Gameroom approx 23 x 19 with full bath! The Kitchen has an abundance of 42'Cherry Cabs & Counter space, Built-in Desk, Dry Bar with glass front cabinets, and walk-in Pantry. Tile and Carpet upgraded throughout. The Master is split from the others and has double Vanities, Jetted Tub, Separate Shower, and walk-in closet with built-in shelves. The Corner lot makes for a larger backyard. It also has an extended patio, great for entertaining! 2' Blinds, Covered Porch with columns, Surround Sound, Gas Log Fireplace, Full size separate Utility Room... so much more. This house is Immaculate so make your appointment today!!Click here for the Visual Tour.         Call or email me if yo... 02/05/2007

I received a call a couple of weeks ago from a home owner asking for a listing appointment.  Her home is currently listed on the market, and she's in a city further north than what I usually take listings in, so I asked her how she found me... THANK YOU ACTIVE RAIN!I also asked her if she thought the house hadn't sold because of the agent, or because of the house.  She asked what I meant about it being the house's fault.  I asked some leading questions, and it looks like it is partially the house's fault for it not selling, not necessarily the agent's fault... but, the agent is a part time agent, and probably not living up to "my" potential of an agent to do everything to get the house sold.  Apparently, she put a sign in the yard, lock box on the door, listed it in the MLS, printed up ... 01/23/2007